- Architectural Legacy of Correio do Povo
Situated in Santa Maria, Brazil, Coworking Casa Pedra, designed by Q_arts Arquitetura, breathes new life into the historic building known as the former headquarters of the Correio do Povo newspaper. Constructed in 1939, the edifice initially served as a single-family residence with a commercial ground floor, embodying the attributes of the Art Deco movement, characterized by the geometrization and simplification of decorative elements. The original facade, facing the historic Avenida Rio Branco, distinctly reflects this movement’s compositional order, dividing it into Base, Body, and Crowning.
- Art Deco Aesthetics and Composition
The Art Deco influence is evident in the facade’s division, with the Base encompassing the frontage of the land and originally functioning as a commercial space, garage, and access to the second floor. The subsequent floors were dedicated to domestic use. The asymmetrical composition, particularly pronounced in the facade facing the avenue, delineates the building’s internal spatial organization. The segment containing residence access is centrally positioned, featuring curved balconies projecting over the sidewalk, mirroring the formal logic in the crowning.
- Historical Significance and Ownership Transitions
Despite a significant intervention in the late 1980s when acquired by Jornalística Caldas Junior (Correio do Povo), and subsequent ownership changes, the building retained its distinctive elements. In 2018, journalist Marcelo Canellas acquired the property, ensuring the preservation of its historical identity. The ground floor, marked by a stone, defines the building’s limits and serves as a testament to its heritage.
- Coworking Casa Pedra: A Synergy of Past and Present
The Coworking Casa Pedra project seamlessly integrates modern functionality without compromising the building’s originality. The interventions primarily focus on enhancing accessibility, incorporating an elevator platform to the second floor, and ensuring compatibility with structural, electrical, and lighting needs. The third floor witnesses integrated spaces, aligning with the collaborative essence of coworking. The covering of the lateral patio not only safeguards access but also pays homage to the former resident’s memories, reflected in motifs inspired by the old ceiling.
- Embracing Heritage: Mural Paintings and Cultural Recognition
The restoration process unearthed mural paintings, preserving layers of history and enriching the space’s character. The recent designation of the building as a cultural asset by the municipality underscores its historical and architectural significance, reaffirming its role as a valuable cultural heritage.
Coworking Casa Pedra stands as a remarkable example of architectural conservation, harmonizing the demands of contemporary functionality with a profound respect for the past. The project not only breathes new life into an iconic structure but also fosters a workspace that transcends time, blending the legacy of Art Deco with the vibrancy of modern coworking dynamics.
